The European Union (EU) is set to inject a substantial €245 million into a transformative overhaul of Bangladesh’s education and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sectors. The ambitious TVET Implementation Plan 2025–2030 was officially launched on Sunday, August 10, at the Intercontinental Dhaka, marking a significant step towards creating a skilled and globally competitive workforce.
The high-profile launch was attended by key figures including Education Adviser Professor Dr. Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar, Acting Head of Cooperation of the EU Delegation to Bangladesh Mr. Edwin Koekkoek, and Secretary of the Technical and Madrasah Education Division (TMED), Dr. K.M. Kabirul Islam.
This five-year plan, the first of its kind to be fully costed, represents a comprehensive national roadmap for the evolution of technical and vocational education in the country. Developed with technical assistance from the EU-funded HCDP-21 program, the plan builds upon the existing TVET Development Action Plan and aligns with international labor market demands.
In his address, Professor Dr. C.R. Abrar emphasized the “historic window of opportunity” for Bangladesh to meet the increasing demand for skilled workers in countries like Japan, South Korea, the Middle East, Malaysia, and across Europe, as well as within the domestic economy. He called for strong collaboration between industry associations and development partners to ensure the plan’s success and sustainability.
Mr. Edwin Koekkoek, representing the EU, reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to supporting skills development in Bangladesh, highlighting the inclusive and consultative process that shaped the implementation plan.
The €245 million investment will support a series of strategic reforms aimed at modernizing and elevating the quality of education and training across the nation. Key initiatives outlined in the plan include:
Teacher Training and Qualification: A massive undertaking to train 30,000 TVET teachers and roll out a new Teachers’ Qualification Framework.
Expansion of Technical Education: The introduction of technical courses in 1,000 schools and madrasahs nationwide.
National Standards: The full implementation of the Bangladesh National Qualifications Framework (BNQF) to standardize skills and qualifications.
Curriculum Modernization: The updating of curricula for 34 different technologies and 14 trades to reflect current industry needs.
Digital Leap: A significant push for digital transformation in 4,000 institutes, including the development of 575 e-learning modules.
Green Skills for a Sustainable Future: The integration of sustainability through a dedicated Green TVET Policy and the inclusion of green skills in the curricula, aligning with the EU’s Global Gateway strategy.
Dr. K.M. Kabirul Islam, Secretary of TMED, confirmed that several initiatives are already in motion, including large-scale teacher training programs, foreign language courses for TVET students, and the modernization of curriculums. The plan identifies 87 strategic actions across six key areas, focusing on the quality and relevance of training, accessibility, system capacity, and creating strong links to employment.
This significant investment from the EU is part of a broader commitment to support Bangladesh’s education system. Since 2018, the EU has provided substantial grants to both the primary education and TVET sub-sectors, recognizing the progress made by the government in implementing key reforms. This latest initiative is poised to further enhance opportunities for the youth and workforce of Bangladesh, fostering inclusive economic development and strengthening the nation’s position in the global market.